Overview

Welcome

The Division of Cardiothoracic Imaging provides comprehensive quality services for the diagnosis of pulmonary, cardiac and vascular disease to meet the needs of our patients and referring physicians. We work in close collaboration with pulmonary medicine, thoracic surgery, cardiology, vascular surgery, oncology, radiation oncology, and pathology in providing innovative and exceptional patient care.

All of our radiologists are fellowship-trained to provide the highest level of expertise in the evaluation of thoracic and cardiovascular diseases. Our division faculty are accomplished researchers and educators. Several are internationally-recognized experts in cardiothoracic imaging serving in prominent roles within the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), American Roentgen Ray Society (ARRS), Society of Thoracic Radiology (STR), Fleischner Society, American Board of Radiology (ABR), and American College of Radiology (ACR).

The division is pleased to have a history of excellence in clinical training and supports one of the most sought after and distinguished cardiothoracic fellowship programs in the world.

We invite you to learn more about our division, our faculty, and our services.

Fellowships

The Division of Cardiothoracic Imaging offers fellowship training in thoracic and cardiovascular imaging. The fellowship is for a one year period and up to 3 qualified applicants may be accepted each year. The fellowship is structured to train candidates for a career in academic radiology. The fellowship provides comprehensive training in pulmonary, cardiac, and vascular imaging with services in conventional radiography, CT, MRI, and thoracic interventions. In addition to high volume, the patient population at Duke provides a wide array of both cardiac and pulmonary pathology. Although the fellowship is designed to provide balanced training in both thoracic and cardiovascular radiology, the amount of time on each service can be altered to accommodate individual interests toward either a more heavily weighted thoracic or cardiovascular experience.

Pulmonary ImagingFellows receive classical training in chest radiograph and CT interpretation. Duke is a regional and national referral center for lung transplantation, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary arterial hypertension, thromboembolic disease, and cancer treatment which is reflected in the volume and diversity of pulmonary imaging.Thoracic ProceduresThe Division maintains an active interventional service performing several CT-guided lung biopsies each week. Fellows receive additional training in pleural procedures including thoracentesis and thoracostomy tube placement. The Division also offers radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the treatment of both primary and metastatic disease to the chest.Cardiac ImagingCardiac CT and MR imaging services are provided through a joint collaboration between the Divisions of Cardiothoracic Radiology and Cardiology. Fellows participate in the performance and interpretation of coronary CTA on an ongoing basis throughout the fellowship. Training in cardiac MRI occurs as a dedicated three month block to facilitate completion of level II certification in cardiovascular MR. A strong emphasis is placed on learning how to perform exams as this facilitates troubleshooting sequences and final study interpretation.Vascular ImagingVascular CT and MR imaging is an important component of fellowship training and encompasses a broad spectrum of vascular disease not limited to the chest. Our division provides a comprehensive vascular imaging service with CT and MR of the thoracoabdominal aorta, visceral arteries, and extremities. Routine studies include pre- and postoperative assessment of patients with acute aortic syndromes, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), renal transplantation, venous thromboembolic disease, and peripheral vascular disease, among others.

Fellows are expected to participate in research during training. Participation in national meetings is encouraged and financial support is available for fellows presenting scientific research. Regular academic time is also provided.

The division of Cardiothoracic Radiology is recognized within the department for its commitment to education, with several of our faculty having won resident teaching awards. Cardiothoracic fellows are expected to participate in this tradition by engaging in daily teaching activities through interactions with residents, medical students, and clinical faculty. In addition to teaching at the workstation, fellows will have the opportunity to present formal case conferences and didactic lectures.

The division directs and participates in many different conferences. Cardiothoracic fellows have the primary responsibility of reviewing studies for most of these conferences under faculty guidance. A list of conferences follows:Cardiac MRI ConferenceThis weekly conference is run by Cardiology and is usually didactic. Radiology faculty who read cardiac MR are included in the lecture schedule. Fellows typically only attend while on the cardiac MRI service.Cardiovascular Case ConferenceWeekly multidisciplinary cardiovascular case conference.Pulmonary Medicine Rad-Path ConferenceWeekly multidisciplinary conference involving Pulmonary Medicine, Radiology, and Pathology. The conference is presented in a case-based format with the Cardiothoracic Radiology fellows presenting the imaging.Thoracic Oncology Program (TOP) ConferenceWeekly multidisciplinary conference involving Radiology, Thoracic Surgery, Oncology, Radiation Oncology, and Pathology. Fellows review imaging on cases that are presented to discuss clinical management. The conference highlights the role of imaging in oncologic staging and post-treatment disease surveillance.Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) ConferenceWeekly multidisciplinary conference involving Pulmonary Medicine, Radiology, and Pathology. Cardiothoracic Radiology fellows review imaging for the Duke Interstitial Lung Disease group with clinical and pathologic correlation.

Fellows do not participate in call during the first 5 months of training. Thereafter, they are incorporated into the call schedule on par with other faculty. Call is scheduled in week-long blocks with in-house day coverage on the weekends and home pager call in the evenings. Weekend call primarily constitutes reading inpatient and ER cardiothoracic studies and includes the supervision of radiology residents covering these services. Home evening pager call provides a resource and backup to overnight residents.

Thank you for your interest in our fellowship program. We are currently accepting applications for the 2020-2021 academic year, (July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021). Feel free to email your application materials or revisit our website periodically in case we have an unexpected opening. Length of training: 1 year, beginning July 1st of each year.

The Division of Cardiothoracic Imaging reviews applications and extends interviews on a rolling basis. Please note that successful completion of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is required for entrance in the Duke Cardiothoracic Imaging Fellowship Program; this applies to both US and foreign medical graduates. Candidates should be ABR-eligible and must qualify for a DEA number and North Carolina medical license.Please note: Candidates who are graduates of a non-US or non-Canadian medical school must have completed 3 consecutive years of medical training at a US or Canadian accredited medical center in order to obtain a North Carolina medical license. This requirement applies to all non-ACGME fellowship applicants. Faculty-limited licensure is not available for a training position.To apply, please send your completed application to Dr. Page McAdams along with:

C.V.

Personal Statement

USMLE transcript

3 letters of recommendation (one from your current Department Chair and two of your choosing)